Processors

[steveis2]

Hi, I have the option to install AMD processor microcode firmware for AMD CPUs while using Linux Mint 18.1. The code is ' amd64-microcode version 2.20160316.1'. Can anyone tell me what this is and suggest whether I should install it or not?

I have an A8 7600 CPU and a MSI A68HM Grenade motherboard with BIOS 1.4, which I believe is the latest version.

Regards Steve

[rjd]

Per this announcement

https://lists.debian.org/debian-security/2016/03/msg00084.html

, that only applies if you have a Piledriver processor (they tell how to determine this if you're unsure). Your A8 is not a Piledriver, so no, you don't need to, although I doubt it will cause any problems if you already did while waiting for an answer.

[steveis2 · Accepted solution]

Hi, Thank you for you reply. It's good to know I don't have to use it.

Unfortunately your link didn't work in the first instance but when I shortened it I could find the document and check my processor in the /proc/cpuinfo file.

ANNOUNCEMENT: AMD processor microcode security update

Regards Steve

[rjd]

Glad I could help. I recently did a fresh install of Mint 18.1 and found the same message in Driver Manager. While researching this, your post came up so I shared what I'd found. Hope this helps others with the same question as well.

[amdmatt]

glad to see that you have found the correct answer to your question.  In order to help others with a similar problem to find this answer quickly, we have locked the discussion to keep it focused on the issue you reported.